overcoming the most overlooked grammar blunders in writing
In the world of writing, even the most seasoned authors can fall prey to subtle grammar blunders that may slip under the radar. As we navigate through 2026, it is essential to refine our writing skills and tackle these common yet often overlooked mistakes. By addressing these issues, we can enhance clarity and ensure our messages resonate with readers. This article explores some of the most frequently ignored grammar pitfalls and provides practical advice on how to overcome them.
Subject-Verb Agreement
One of the most fundamental principles of English grammar is subject-verb agreement. This refers to the requirement that the subject of a sentence must agree with its verb in number. It might seem straightforward, but many writers fail to adhere to this rule, especially in complex sentences. For example, in the sentence, “The list of items are on the table,†the correct verb should be “is†since the subject is “list,†which is singular. To avoid this blunder, identify the main subject of your sentence and ensure that your verb matches in number.
Misplaced Modifiers
Misplaced modifiers can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of your writing. A modifier is a word or group of words that adds description. When placed incorrectly, it can lead to humorous or embarrassing misreadings. Take the sentence “She nearly drove her kids to school every day.†The placement of “nearly†suggests she almost did not drive them at all. To correct this, reposition the modifier: “She drove her kids to school nearly every day.†Clear placement of modifiers ensures that your intended meaning is communicated effectively.
Comma Splices
A common issue in writing, particularly in informal contexts, is the comma splice. This occurs when two independent clauses are joined with just a comma. For instance, “I love writing, it is my passion†should be corrected as either “I love writing; it is my passion†or “I love writing because it is my passion.†To avoid comma splices, remember to use a conjunction or separate the clauses into distinct sentences. This helps maintain the flow of your writing while adhering to grammatical standards.
Incorrect Use of Apostrophes
Apostrophes are often misused, particularly when indicating possession or forming contractions. For example, many writers confuse “its†and “it’s.†“It’s†is a contraction for “it is,†while “its†denotes possession. A practical tip is to read your sentence aloud; if you can replace “it’s†with “it is†and the sentence still makes sense, then that’s the correct usage. Similarly, be cautious with plural nouns. The plural form does not require an apostrophe, such as “the cats†rather than “the cat’s.†Understanding these distinctions can significantly enhance the professionalism of your writing.
Run-On Sentences
Run-on sentences can dilute the effectiveness of your writing. These occur when two or more independent clauses are improperly joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions. For example, the sentence “I enjoy reading it helps me relax†is a run-on. To fix this, consider breaking it into two sentences: “I enjoy reading. It helps me relax.†Alternatively, you could use a coordinating conjunction: “I enjoy reading because it helps me relax.†Keeping sentences concise and focused improves readability and comprehension.
Confusing Homophones
Homophones are words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings. Common examples include “their,†“there,†and “they’re.†Misusing these can make your writing appear unprofessional. A practical strategy to avoid confusion is to remember the meanings and contexts for each word. For instance, use “their†when indicating possession, “there†to refer to a place, and “they’re†as a contraction for “they are.†Regular practice and careful proofreading can help reinforce these distinctions.